Papa John’s president once again John Schnatter

Papa John's Founder, Chairman and CEO John Schnatter gets a kick out of seeing his image on the NASDAQ tower in New York's Times Square, Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, while celebrating the opening of the brand's 4,000th global restaurant. This week, Schnatter resumed the role of president for the third time since founding the pizza chain, upon the recent departure of Tony Thompson to lead Krispy Kreme. (Photo by Diane Bondareff/Invision for Papa John's International/AP Images)
(Photo:
Papa John’s International
)

Papa John’s founder John Schnatter will resume the title of president at the Louisville-based pizza chain while he continues as chief executive officer, the company announced Thursday.

Schnatter also announced he is promoting Senior Vice President Steve Ritchie, formerly in charge of operations in North and South America, to chief operating officer of the 4,400-store chain, a news release said. Ritchie joined Papa John’s in 1996.

“Steve is an outstanding operator with a track record of success, and a tremendous asset to our entire system,” Schnatter said. “Steve and I are passionate about the Papa John’s brand and will work with our global franchise and corporate operators and the rest of this outstanding management team to continue to grow the brand and our quality position around the world.”

Schnatter, who founded the company in 1985, replaces Tony Thompson as president. Thompson had been both president (since August 2013) and chief operating officer (since July 2012) before he announced Tuesday that he will become president and CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., based in Winston-Salem, N.C.

It’s the third time Schnatter has taken back the president’s role after relinquishing the title. Former Papa John’s presidents and chief operating officers include Nigel Travis (2005 to 2008), and Jude Thompson (2009 to 2010).

Papa John’s chief financial officer, Lance Tucker, said in an interview Thursday that the current leadership structure is here to stay.

“The plan is to move forward as is,” Tucker said. “In this case, we had a succession plan that we went on and implemented.”

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